Hazare admits rift in anti-corruption movement

Pune, Sep 18 (IANS) Anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare Tuesday admitted to differences with Arvind Kejriwal and other members of the India Against Corruption (IAC) group on various issues.

The 75-year old Hazare reiterated that he would not launch a political party to fight corruption.

“However, Kejriwal is free to launch a political party if he wants,” Hazare told the media, emerging from a meeting with a few prominent social workers in Pune.

Asked if he would support candidates put up by Kejriwal’s party, Hazare said: “Our destination is common, only the paths are different.”

Hazare announced he would soon embark on a nationwide tour to create awareness on corruption and revive the anti-graft movement which has been floundering in recent months.

Indicating a growing rift within the anti-corruption movement he launched nearly two years ago, Hazare has cast his net wide to include prominent personalities with a clean image to join or advise his campaign.

Of the 35 top social personalities he has invited, he had meetings with half a dozen Tuesday in Pune. He will meet more people in New Delhi Wednesday.